Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Saint Francis de Sales was bishop of Geneva, Switzerland, and is known as a Doctor of the Church. Saint Francis lived a simple life and had a deep love for the poor and the sick. He was well known for his preaching, his writing, and his ministry. His book "Introduction to the Devout Life" is a spiritual classic. This book was unusual for the time, because in it Saint Francis stressed that everyone is called to live a holy life, not just priests and members of religious communities. He was one of the first leaders of the Church to emphasize prayer and the spiritual life to the laity. Saint Francis de Sales's simple approach to prayer and the spiritual life attracted many followers. He also founded several religious congregations, including the Missionaries of Saint Francis de Sales, the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales, the Salesians of Don Bosco, and the Sisters of Saint Joseph. He became spiritual director for a young widow, Jane Frances de Chantal, and helped her found the Institute of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin for women who felt called to religious life but who did not have the means to join an order. The Church later declared her a saint too. Saint Francis de Sales is known as the patron saint of writers, of the Catholic press, and of the hearing-impaired. His feast day is January 24. (Taken from "The Catholic Faith Handbook for Youth.")